Kitsune-kun

tiny roses and fairy lights

2013-06-18T14:42:00.000-04:00

summer evenings in my parents' garden are wonderful. wonderful.

dress- vintage/thrifted
cardigan- last chance

SHARK!

2013-06-15T16:19:00.001-04:00

Our local theater is playing classic Spielberg movies every week, and I was lucky enough to catch the JAWS screening. It's always been one of my favourite movies, even if it did scare the living daylights out of me as a ten year old, but you know a movie is really great when you get to rewatch it in film school and it still holds up and you notice there's even more to appreciate with a slightly more informed background....Anyway, I've always read about the release of JAWS in theaters, and how it became the first 'blockbuster' and I always imagined how epic it must have been to get to see it for the first time on a huge screen with good sound....well I got to see it in its epic proportion at last, and it was GREAT. Thoroughly enjoyed every minute- it's such a fun ride. Also, Sheriff Brody is kind of a babe...didn't really notice until this time around...heh...My mom and I snuck in some trader joe' seaweed snacks to try and keep things kinds thematic- plus they're much better than popcorn. Then she was kind enough to snap some shots for me of my shark shirt outside the theater.

shirt (both)- japan
jeans-papaya
shoes- keds

Antelope Island

2013-06-12T14:03:00.000-04:00

The other day my parents and I ventured out to Antelope Island. It's one of my favourite places here- with herds of wild bison, antelope, deer,big horned sheep, amazing views of the Great Salt Lake and surrounding mountains, and a little historic homestead. Turns out my great great grandma was part of the family who came and settled here, built a homestead, and brought bison and cattle over on a ferry to graze. Down the road they lost the land in a financial something or other and another family took over. I think that's the family that still owns it now, and is all over the placards. We might be a litte bitter about the lack of credit....Anyway, being here at sunset is amazing, and it's a fun day adventure. I'd love to camp here some time though!

I can't believe how many Bison we ran into! I was hoping to see a few and get pictures, but we happened upon a huge herd grazing at dusk, and they were all so chill- just chomping on grass and hanging out a little bit off the road. Don't they have the cutest faces? They started inching up closer and closer, so we made our way on over to the small wood pen to our left so we could get more photos without having a hoof and horn run-in.

Lauren's Wedding

2013-06-10T11:00:00.000-04:00

My sister in law got married recently, and it was a beautiful day. They make the loveliest couple! Sadly Ryan couldn't make it since he's still working in Tokyo. Luckily it took place just an hour from my parents', so I was able to attend. It was my first time as part of a wedding party, and my first time really hanging out for long periods of time with Ryan's family sans Ryan. His sisters are so cute.

We were able to pick our own dresses within a certain colour scheme, so I found this vintage dress on etsy and it was just the shade of blue I'd been looking for. It fit weird when I got it in the mail, but luckily a tailor was able to fix most of the weirdness right before the wedding. I'm glad I got to wear a dress I'll be able to wear again to pretty much any occasion since it fits right into my usual repertoire quite nicely.

dress/shoes/belt: vintage

golden fields

2013-06-06T18:28:00.000-04:00

I can't express how much I'm enjoying the scenery all around me. I'm a desert girl through and through, and Utah has so many dynamic and varying landscapes- it's enough to keep me happy for a looong time. There's so much to see. I've missed exploring and hiking and camping so much. This beautiful hill is only a short drive from my parent's house, and a great place to watch the sunset. Wish I could visit every night. My sister in law gets married today, so things might be a litte quiet around here while we celebrate and soak in family time. so excited!

top: h&m
skirt/shoes: thrifted/vintage

in the cherry trees

2013-06-04T11:09:00.001-04:00

These photos were taken a while ago during my last week in New York, when Central Park was a blossomy wonderland. It was such a gorgeous day- I wish I could travel back right now! I've had this dress for quite some time, but I've never worn it with a petticoat underneath, and it's a whole new world. such good poofiness. I'm quite pleased with how well my dressed matched the blossoms too. Apparently so was everyone else- there was a crowd taking pictures of me the whole time we were there and only one person asked me if it was okay. Oh, New York. I'm not really missing your lack of privacy.

dress, blouse, shoes: vintage

plants!

2013-06-02T13:40:00.002-04:00

been helping my mom with gardening quite a bit since I got back- she's revamping the whole front yard, and getting the summer garden started. and as we picked out plants, she helped me with photos. thanks mom! It's been really nice to have a project to work on, and one I could never do in New York. It is so refreshing to just dig in dirt and plant and water and have green space to myself. The weather has been beautiful and I love being outside. The blustery spring thunder storms are more epic here than in the East as well, so when it rains, it's fun to watch.

jumper/shoes- vintage/thrifted
top- stole from ryan (h&m?)

rain, rain

2013-05-29T11:04:00.000-04:00

It's been raining like crazy here lately, and chilly too, for May. The lighting gets so good though, I can't complain, and Utah is a desert after all, so it's a good drink for all the plants. I ran a lot of errands yesterday and was so so glad that a)even though I left my rubber riding boots in New York, my sister's same pair is still in our garage, b)they fit me, and c) I had a car to shield me during errands and could drive right up to places, as opposed to New York where you have to walk everywhere and worry about leaving one hand open for an umbrella when you also need to carry home all your erranding wares. and you end up soaking wet by the time you get home. ugh. do NOT miss that.

I'm really enjoying the autonomy driving affords- it's been two years now of feeling at the mercy of the public transport system. I've already shot two engagement shoots way out in the mountains and loved every minute of the trip out there, and I even enjoy grocery shopping at least twice as much when I know I don't have to carry everything home the whole way by myself with my praying mantis arms. I love just being able to explore wherever I feel like again. It's been a long time.

Also, I packed really light on this trip, because I had to bring all my camera gear and tripod along, which weighs a lot- so this summer you're going to be seeing a lot of the same pieces pretty frequently in my posts. I normally try not to wear the same stuff too close together....I guess mainly just because I'm a hoarder and I have enough clothes that I can....anyway, get real used to this cardigan, because it's one of two that I packed, and it's mich chillier than I was expecting. Also, also, I always seem to get saggy baggy elephant knees in leggings. real attractive. whyyy? does this happen to anyone else? and that umbrella was broken....great. so between the saggy knees, the broken umbrella, and the same cardigan in two consecutive posts, I hope you can forgive me, Blog Gods.

shift dress: vintage
leggins: papaya
boots: sister's

shifting gears

2013-05-27T11:02:00.003-04:00

< br>

So now I'm in Utah. Surprise! I've actually been here for about two weeks, visiting family, getting revved up for my sister in-law's wedding, and enjoying the beautiful scenery. I've had so much going on that I pretty much had enough to tide me over- blogging-wise, and it was nice to just take a real break and not take any photos for a while anyway. So here's the picture: Ryan got another internship in Tokyo for the summer, but we couldn't afford for me to come too, so I'm in Salt Lake hanging out until at least July or so. I'd love people to hang out with since I didn't grow up here, so feel free to email me if you're in the area and want to meet up!

dungarees: asos
cardigan: last chance
shoes: thrifted
brooch: made it- available at kitsune vintage etsy shop

more mister shoji!

2013-05-23T13:58:00.000-04:00

Here is another look from the same day I worked with MackTak Mart . It's also another Tadashi Shoji dress ( does this guy make swoon worthy dresses or what! ) I loved walking around in this dress. The swishy movement of all the layers was such a cool feeling, and I really loved the boat neckline and three quarter sleeves. This is definitely one of the most unique dresses I've ever had the pleasure of laying eyes on/ wearing, and you can bet if I ever get a sudden windfall or encounter a reason to attend an event dressed so formally, I'll be hitting up Mr. Shoji. What amazing dresses!

Mermaid Gown

2013-05-20T13:57:00.001-04:00

So this was a first for me- I was approached by a company called MackTak Mart, which carries designer gowns for formal events. They wanted to know if I'd be up for coming to their showroom in the fashion district to model a gown and promote their business- this being prom season and all. I don't own any floor length gowns, and I love dressing up, so I thought it sounded fun. I was immediately drawn to all the Tadashi Shoji gowns. They were all so beautiful and elegant, and had such striking patterns and colours. I ended up going with this art deco, mermaid-feeling one. It felt so glamorous!

I sure got a lot of stares in Bryant Park, but that's nothing new I guess. I'm always doing weird things for pictures in New York. We wanted to take them of me riding the carousel but the workers wouldn't let us on before it opened, even though it was only about 30 minutes away. It's too bad it was so sunny and shadowy, and I kind of wish Ryan could have come to take photos with our camera and lens because I prefer the look we've honed together, but oh well, at least I got to wear this fun dress for a little bit! I like how the dress really compliments the carousel- what a beautiful bygone era. I'm so glad some designers still try to recall such gorgeous styles. I wish I was going to a prom right now! I would totally choose this one of a kind dress.

*photos by macktak mart *edited by me

The Dollhouse

2013-05-18T11:27:00.000-04:00

The other day my friend Shayla and I went to Grand Central to check out the giant dollhouse in their lobby. It was only there for two days to promote Target's new home decor line, and I'm really glad we made it- it was pretty fun to explore! There weren't any stairs, which I found disappointing, but the backyard was really awesome, and the fact that they let you playa around with the props and household objects made it a fun time. I loved that they had a croquet set. I asked the worker if we could play, and they said sure, but turns out the metal gates wouldn't actual stick into the astroturf- and then I felt like I was in The Truman Show.

dress/shoes: vintage/thrifted
cardigan: joe fresh
sunglasses:....? can't remember :/
tights: uo

Bear shirts are fun(ny)

2013-05-14T10:57:00.000-04:00

I've been eyeing this pullover at ASOS ever since I got into my 'bears are cute' obsessions in the summertime, but could never rustle up the jimmies to pay full price fory what was essentially just a sweatshirt (ok, I know that was a malapropism but the phrase is so priceless I want every chance to use it). In January it went down 50% and I snagged the last extra large and tailored it down to fit better. Then it was so cold all winter that I was always wearing five layers, so I never got a photo. and here we are in May! still cold enough for sleeves and socks!

So there are a few reasons I was feeling a bit stroppy while taking these photos. First, the wind kept giving me alfalfa hair. Second, the wind blew the roof door shut and we got locked out up there for an hour. Third, the whole first batch of photos ended up out of focus so we had to do it all again. good thing we had that whooole extra hour with nothing to do...Fourth, it's still this cold in May (!) but at least I can wear the cutest sweatshirt I've ever owned- uninhibited, wild and free.

top: asos
skirt: vintage
socks: japan
shoes: vintage

ivy clad streets

2013-05-11T10:55:00.000-04:00

West Village is a very charming corner of Manhattan that we clearly don't frequent enough. We wandered all the way down here for dinner a few nights before I left for the summer. Our own neighborhood has kind of an austere, monolithic feel to it- with Columbia's big stone neoclassical structures, Grant's tomb, giant gothic cathedrals,looming pre-war dormitories, and massive granite steps to surrounding parks. West Village feels so much more cozy and quaint with its little brownstones, cobblestone streets, and ivy- colored brick. It's the kind of neighborhood that makes me feel like maybe I could want to live in manhattan long-term, if this was the kind of vibe I could soak in regularly. There's a reason we don't and probably won't live here though. It's awfully swanky and everything is so expensive. Fun spot to walk around though.

I got this cute cat bow in a little basement store in Harajuku when I was living in Japan last summer. I somehow have never photographed it and it's almost been a whole year! how weird. I love how cute the little cats are, and how the bow is a more Japanesey shape- like what you would see on a yukata or kimono. I also prefer to wear it with trousers or shorts so I don't feel too girly and doll-ish.

bow: harajuku
coat: thrifted in japan
top: joe fresh
jeans:papaya
shoes/bag: vintage/thrifted

green dress, green trees, green light.

2013-05-08T11:00:00.005-04:00

Here is a pretty dress I've had in my to-mend pile for ever and ever. The buttons were all messed up and would pop open all the time. For a while I planned on hemming it up a bit as well, but after finding a petticoat to wear under it I'm growing quite fond of the full skirt in it's proper glory- all poofed out thanks to the extra tulle underneath. The buttons were a simple fix once I finally made myself get around to it, and now I'm really kicking myself for not doing it sooner.

And here is a little tree climbing adventure storybook from a cool, breezy May evening in the park:

catty

2013-05-06T11:09:00.001-04:00

Temperatures have dropped here again and tights and jackets have come out from under the bed. I tried to go barelegged here, but I was really chilly and changed into pants when I got home. I keep craving simple looks with subtle details, but my need to stay warm and continue to layer trumps my choices most of the time. I'm glad I ventured out with this outfit and got some snaps though- It's along more minimalist lines, and luckily the shirt is long sleeved and thick which is nice for this crazy weather. The cat brooch adds the playfulness I like to incorporate most of the time, while staying pretty chill about it. Also, looking at these now I realize that I should have taken my backpack off- the matching leather of the straps and my belt makes it look like I'm wear a back brace...or a harness? Let's just pretend they're suspenders and call it good.

top: joe fresh
skirt/shoes/sunglasses: vintage/thrifted
brooch: Japan

may 3rd.

2013-05-03T12:07:00.000-04:00

Sometimes it's nice to take a break from the style blogging routine and indulge in some lo-fi goodness and just hang out after work and school. We decided to enjoy the warmer weather and blooms down in riverside park behind our apartment. we don't go here enough. we ate trader joe's pulled pork and rolls on our little felt blanket we use for picnics, and laid back and watched everything happen upside down for a while. Have a happy Friday. spend it with someone you love.

Sakura!

2013-04-30T11:00:00.000-04:00

I'm so glad we snapped these on a recent stroll through central park because all these blossoms are already gone now! It got cold and windy right after and they all blew away. Oh sakura and their ephemeralness! I feel like they've been particularly elusive this spring. Sure hope next year is more mild. This was a beautiful day though, even if it was only one out of the week. Blooming Central Park in the spring is my favourite- it's like a sudden magical fairy world that only lasts for a week or so, and leaves you wondering if it actually ever really happened at all.

There are some areas that any other time of the year, we would just pass by- but for this short amount of time it's like a beacon drawing us in with fluffy, white petals floating on bending boughs. Such a perfect ambassador for the season. We found this relaxing little grove of cherry trees and surprisingly had it nearly all to ourselves. It felt so good to lie in the grass with bare legs and feel the sun on our skin. It feels like it's been years.

outfit: all thrifted and vintage (shoes from ebay)

bathing in sunshine and blossoms

2013-04-28T11:17:00.001-04:00

Spring! you came! you really came. The blossoms are out, the temperatures are staying above 50 degrees, and life is glorious. I wrangled some friends into having a springy picnic with me, and I'll have those photos up soon too. For now here some of central park's greatest blooms! I was so excited to finally wear this pretty white vintage dress with no other complications like tights or cardigans. I even went barefoot for a while. glorious, people, glorious.

Best Friends

2013-04-25T11:21:00.001-04:00

2013-04-22T14:08:00.000-04:00

Trying to keep my posts dinosaur themed for as long as possible as I continue to celebrate the anniversary and return to theaters of Jurassic Park. The fun never ends! I've had this 'long neck' tee since high school, and it has certainly seen better days, but I just can't get rid of it until I find a suitable replacement, and good dino T's are hard to come by. The shoes are new from YesWalker.com and I quite like the colour and shape. They'll be great summer shoes when it's finally warm enough to forgo tights once and for all. Pointy flats will always my weapon of choice as footwear goes, I really like the suede and stitching on these.

I found a lil pack of rubber dinosaur toys in a corner shop a while back, and I'm glad I could use this little guy to go with my shirt. and make a GIF. I need more dinosaur GIFs in my life. don't we all. WEll, happy monday everyone, here's to hoping the weather stops being so crazy chilly!

outfit:
top- urban outfitters (extinct)
jumper- thrifted
tights- internet?
shoes- YesWalker

...You have a T-Rex?

2013-04-20T08:09:00.000-04:00

While we were in DC we spent the afternoon exploring the Smithsonian and Natural History museums. It's always a fun setting to explore, but we were of course especially excited to get to the dinosaur section, and I wore my T-rex necklace for the occasion. The lighting was really difficult for photographs, but we tried anyway- I really wanted some dino photos to go with my necklace to jive with the Jurassic Park festivities.

Yay dinosaurs!

Welcome to..........Jurassic Park

2013-04-18T10:53:00.000-04:00

So I'm a little late to the party on this, but ever since I heard they were releasing Jurassic Park in 3D this year I've been super pumped and looking forward to it. We were out of town and busy on the night it opened though, and we had a hard time finding a day both of us could go once we got home, so we didn't get around to seeing it until this week. Jurassic Park has always been one of my favourite movies, and I never got to see it in theaters since I was too young, so even without the 3D I would have jumped at the chance to see it on the big screen. Ryan and I saw it in the IMAX near us and it was SO amazing! I almost cried.

So, in honor of this great great movie that influenced a whole generation, here are some photos from the Jurassic Park section of universal studios when we visited for spring break. I was so impressed! They actually built the whole visitor center from the movie and it looked JUST like it. They even had hokey visitor center-feeling things like a dinosaur themed kids discovery center, and an area where you could 'scan' your DNA to mix it with a dinosaur's....my favorite was holding and scanning the dino eggs though. So fun.

And just because it never never gets old:

I'll be back soon with more dinosaur themed posts in honour of this momentous event. Till next time!
Kathryn

Cherry Blossom Fail

2013-04-15T17:15:00.001-04:00

Last weekend we traveled to DC to see the cherry blossoms around the basin. I had put a lot of research into when the blossoms should have been in bloom, and even took into account the experts predicting a late bloom due to cold weather, but even after a lot of careful planning, we still ended up being too early, and out of the hundreds of sakura trees only about three actually had blossoms coming out. To say that I was disappointed would be an understatement. I had planned pretty much my whole month around this trip and was so excited to see America's biggest population of sakura in bloom.

In Japan, people use the word 'hanami' to describe the whole experience of taking time to go and view the cherry blossoms. There are often festivals dedicated to the event, many people dress in traditional attire that is seasonally appropriate ( floral fabrics, pinks and whites and purples to reflect the petal colours). The fact that the blossoms are so fickle and difficult to predict, coupled with the fleeting amount of time they actually stay open, renders the whole experience very poetic, and there are countless works of art lauding every stage of bloom, from the tiny green buds to the full open flower, to the fallen petals carpeting the ground. Ryan kept reminding me of all the songs and poems written about this stage we found ourselves in, where the buds are just starting to open and show colour. Try as I might, I wasn't able to muster enough patient Japanese mentality to feel too excited about it...I really wanted the spectacular view of open blossoms in all directions. That's life, though! Still glad we got to see at least a few trees blooming, and the monuments were cool.

dress/shoes/bag- vintage
glasses- uo
cardigan- zara
parasol- SF Japantown

Elusive Spring

2013-04-11T17:48:00.000-04:00

Central Park Blossoms from kitsune-kun on Vimeo.

This is what central park looked like on April 4th a year ago. There's narry a leaf or blossom now, and as I was going through old videos I shot I found this one full of lovely sunshine and spring blossoms and thought I'd share it as something to look forward to. Over the weekend we went to DC for the cherry blossom festival,but it was pretty disappointing. It's been too cold of a year I guess. we probably missed the peak by just a week or so which makes it that much more frustrating, but ah well, there are some sakura in new york, just not as many. hope they get blooming soon!